Singer VK Blanka on the power of connecting through J-pop and anime
The Japanese singer-songwriter on the enduring power of anime and the role music plays in them
(Photo credit: Blank Screen Records)
When VK Blanka travels the world to perform, he’s often stunned by the power his music can have in connecting with fans—in spite of language barriers and cultural differences.
Over the years, the Japanese singer-songwriter has garnered a loyal following through his work on hit anime series like Black Clover and Fruits Basket. That’s because the massive popularity of J-pop and anime has the ability to transcend borders through gripping storytelling and relatable characters.
“Anime culture and J-pop culture can unite every kind of community, and has the power to connect,” VK tells me in an interview, while connecting from Tokyo.
Now VK is about to hit the road in North America on tour, hitting Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. As part of the tour, he’ll be performing songs from his latest album Knightclub, which he will be re-releasing on limited edition vinyl for his tour.
VK Blanka sat down with bunni pop to share more about his process around writing for anime series, his favourite fan interactions and where he draws inspiration for his songs.
Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What are you most looking forward to on this North American tour?
The upcoming tour is the second time for me to go to North America. I have released several albums between this time, so [perhaps] the upcoming tour is going to be a different atmosphere, and a different passion.
In all your travels around the world, are there different vibes between the audiences you perform in front of from country to country?
Yeah, totally different atmosphere. I think in Canada, I did Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver last year. The Canadian fans, all of them went crazy because they kept singing and cheering and screaming whether I’m singing, emceeing, drinking water! [Laughs]. They share with me and I love that!
Many people know you through your work on anime soundtracks like Black Clover and Fruits Basket. What is it about anime that really connects people?
As Japanese people, we are used to watching animes, and the story is just very gripping. It tells us about courage, and that's something that can be very, very applicable for the rest of the world.
[Music] is very important because the music always gives a lot of flavour in the atmosphere of movies and TV dramas. And especially anime theme songs.
When I prepare to write a theme song, I often watch the anime itself, read the manga and get into the character in order to write a song based on the story.
Is there a genre of anime that you like working within?
Strategy. (Strategy animes often place a major emphasis on intrigue, tactics, manipulation when it comes to battle scenes and conflict.)
I want to move on to your album Knightclub, which you released last year, and I know you're also re-releasing it on vinyl for this tour. Can you tell me a little bit about the story behind this album?
With the album Knightclub, I got a lot of influence from overseas. Last year, I toured North America, Europe, and did festivals. I got a lot of influences from these experiences.
In the last year, I was really into dance music. In Knightclub, there are two songs called “Daddy (Dying in NY)” and “Never Run.” Those two songs are [inspired] by EDM and dance music.
The album is about the club, disco. But when I created the album, there was also a fight within me to create new songs. So there it’s like a double meaning. It’s like the arrow between oneself to end the song.
What artists do you draw inspiration from?
I always listen to Billy Joel, Ben Folds. They always give me the atmosphere to write new songs, new ballads. By atmosphere, I mean these artists [put me] in the right mindset.
When was the moment you realized you wanted to pursue music full time?
My parents have always told me to find the special beauty in myself, so I’ve always thought about that. But as an elementary school student, it’s early to find [your purpose]. So I kept searching, what is my ability? Around 14 years old, I found out I was good at singing.
What kind of atmosphere do you want to create when you perform live?
My motto is be natural, stay natural on stage.
Have there been any interactions that have surprised you through your travels?
In Mexico, one of the fans gave me very expensive tequila before the show. I loved the bottle design, so I brought the fan on stage! That was my mistake because I had to do a tequila shot on stage [Laughs]
In Toronto, my sister studied abroad there so it’s a very familiar city for me. It’s an honour to get back there because it’s a memorable city. As a musician, it’s a very happy experience for me.
What’s next for you?
I live in Tokyo and I used to tour around Japan all the time. But me and my staff want to feel more free to tour worldwide. So, that’s my goal, feeling that freedom.
Follow VK Blanka on Instagram. More details on his North American tour can be found here.
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